Statue of Kiyomasa Kato

The Katō Kiyomasa Bronze Statue is a statue of Katō Kiyomasa, the builder of Kumamoto Castle. It stands in Saiganji Park (commonly called Sankaku Park) near the front of Miyuki-zaka, as if guarding Kumamoto Castle. Katō Kiyomasa was a military commander active from the Azuchi-Momoyama period to the early Edo period and later became a daimyo. He was deeply involved not only with Kumamoto Castle but also with the construction of castles such as Nagoya Castle, Ulsan Wae-seong, Edo Castle, and Nagoya Castle (Owari). There are two Katō Kiyomasa statues: one at Saiganji Park and another at Honmyoji. He contributed greatly to building the castle town and developing Kumamoto, and remains respected by Kumamoto citizens. The statue shows him seated in armor, watching over battle, and it looks as if it might move at any moment. The best photo angle is with Kumamoto Castle in the background. Visiting it together with Kumamoto Castle is recommended. At night it is illuminated, offering a different view. Access: about a 15-minute walk from Kamikumamoto Station; after visiting, you can go to Kumamoto Castle via Miyuki-zaka.